My apologies for not responding sooner to all your helpful suggestions. Thank you, I have made several notations based on your advice.
My latest question (you knew that I was'nt finished yet!!!), is regarding our time on the North Island of New Zealand. We are flying in to Auckland. 'Birder' for example, suggested day trips in the area. Is that to suggest we rent a car and travel on our own or are there day trip tours that are worth it the time and expense? 'Birder' suggested visiting Piha Beach and Rotura. How far are these areas from Auckland by car? OR...is there enough to see and do just in the Auckland area without going to other areas? Can the day trips be done with returning to our hotel in Auckland each evening. (We will be on the North Island for 4 days before sadly having to return to 'real life'...yup, I am already sad about having to come home...
Also, does anyone have a comment about the 'Native New Zealand Encounter Show' @ the Auckland Zoo? Is it on your list of 'must see'?
How about the TePura Thermal Reserve? again ,we are simply trying to decide about car rental while visiting the North Island.
If I may ask;'Birder'- how is it you now reside in New Zealand? Do you absolutely love it? Do you miss Tampa? I ask because I mentioned to my husband that what happens if we both fall in love with either Australia or New Zealand? It's a bit of a stretch, but gosh, would we ever consider the move? What about employment etc....wow, I am getting SO ahead of myself!!!
Again, thanks to everyone for all there helpful advice...
Beth

You might consider NOT staying in Auckland except perhaps on arrival night and the night before departure. You won't really want a car while overnight in Auckland, the bus system for tourists (Link, Circuit, Airport Flyer) is quite good and is supplemented by the regional bus system. However if you do rent a car here's a tip: Parking restrictions are not enforced between 6pm and 8am, so you're likely to get a good overnight (free) street parking spot.

If you have one of the late night flights back to the US you'll have time to do a morning bay cruise, or visit a museum (note again the short opening hours 10 am to 5pm).

I would probably rent a car and get out of Auckland for a few nights, go via Kumeu (established wine region), visit Muriwai, up the west coast and down the east coast, how far you get depending on number of nights you've got. Wellsford is your junction, from there you can either go west, east or south again.

beth, you'd need more than one brief visit before making the momentous decision to emigrate, but I'm sure you don't need me to tell you that.

And of course you'd need to be accepted as an immigrant by your chosen. I can't speak for NZ, but Australia uses a score based primarily on what you can contribute to the nation - in-demand job skills, business investment and family reunions are some of the most common factors. Details are provided at www.immi.gov.au.

Immigration to Australia is currently running at historically high levels due to strong economic growth (we've been I think the only OECD member country to have escapes recession from the GFC, and unemployment is about half the US level). This could change at any time, though; current projections of population growth (from 22 to 36 million by 2050) are creating some concern.

Australia's material living standards (at least as measured by per-capita GDP or average purchasing power) are lower than the US; New Zealand lower still. But such measures can be misleading. It depends what you most value. Both countries are more egalitarian than America, with a smaller gap between rich and poor, and both provide good social services, including universal health care. On the other hand, you might find housing prices in the cities most newcomers head for (Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland in particular) a shock.

Thank you 'mlgb'for the specific suggestions regarding travel ideas (Kumeu,Muriwai,west/east coast and Wellsford being our 'junction'). I will once again head back to our maps and review,gaze,ponder and long for someone to make all the decisions on our behalf.I just SO (sorry,Neil_Oz for using capital letters..it's for emphasis,not for shouting!!)I just want to get this whole trip 'right'.. I have to just realize that mistakes and disappointments are part of the 'gig'. Actually, sometimes my husband and I seem to do better just going about by 'the seat of our pants' (I hope my thoughts are not lost in the translation of all the slang terms).I think I am overwhelming myself, I have every tour book that is written in English, we have hung huge maps on the kitchen walls (looks like a war room at the Pentagon), I'm thinking I better take it'down a notch' and maybe just stick to one set of tour guides, and yes, I am finding the 'Lonely Planet' series to be terrific.
I also want to be sure I make a point to get a sense of the peoples' of these 2 wonderful countries,- stop,ask, and listen. I'm so anxious to gently observe the cultures.
In my attempt to seek out conversation, where would we go to just kind of 'strike it up' with someone? Pubs?,Cafes? Any suggestions would be helpful, as I want to be mindful of proper etiquette when approaching someone with questions (I had to let that 'skeleton out of the closet' with all the suggestions of touring some of the wineries), I suppose I could venture into a pub or two if that is acceptable for american tourists, please tell me that most public places are NON (yes Neil_Oz, I used capitals again)smoking....never aquired a taste for alcohol, which fits my conservative lifestyle. My husband on the other hand grew up on Madeira, Island Portugal, so he enjoys a glass of wine.
Thank you Neil_Oz for the reality check about immigration trends/standards. I keep waiting for life to be like a picture out of a tour guide. My husband's profession is not marketable in some countries so that is the biggest issue. He is a Physician Assistant working in the Emergency Dept.of a hospital.
And, I would hesitate leaving my birthplace while we are caught up in two wars. A personal feeling I guess, yet it just seems wrong...I'll let you know how I feel after I return home.
Are any of you following the Olympics?

As usual, a bit verbose on my end.

Welcome any other thoughts or suggestions on our travels!!

Beth

All public buildings,common areas of hotels, restaurants etc., are non smoking. Hotels & self-catering apartments are non-smoking, with some allowing it in the rooms, on request.
Some restaurants & pubs have outside areas in which smoking is permitted.

Hi Beth -

Oddly enough, I've met more Australians while traveling than I have right here in my own backyard (I'm an American living in Perth). We met loads of nice folks on our recent trip to South Australia - at our accommodation, on the hiking trails, at scenic overlooks, in wineries, at cafes, etc.

When I travel within Australia and NZ, I prefer to stay in small, family run accommodation. This is a great opportunity to meet the locals and pick their brains about what to see and do. Pubs and cafes are also good spots to strike up a conversation with a local (or a fellow traveler). Even the smallest towns in AUS and NZ have at least one local boozer, but you'll probably want to go early (!)

More often than not, if you're friendly, you'll get a big dose of friendly right back.

You're in luck, smoking is banned in all enclosed public places in Australia. Smoking is banned in NZ restaurants, bars and casinos and from what I understand, there's a proposal to ban smoking on the beaches too.

Hi Beth

Four days is not enough to see much of New Zealand, so I would suggest keeping distance traveled to a minimum. No way can you sensibly fit in the scenic South Island in that time.

New Zealand is a young country, so the towns and cities have little architecture of note compared to places like Europe. New Zealand is more about natural attractions, a quiet way of life, and the culture of the Maori - who settled here a few hundred years before Europeans.

In your situation I would stay ...
6th Auckland, Sky City Hotel
7th Whangamata, Breakers Motel
8th and 9th Rotorua, any one of many motels But if you fly out early on the 10th then you might need to stay near the airport on the 9th

6th ... by the time you get to the hotel, you should hopefully still have time to do a few things. Sky City is right in the middle of town, so is an easy walk down Queen Street (the main shopping street) to the waterfront. At the waterfront there are bars, cafes and restaurants, along with the maritime museum and the viaduct boat harbour (which was the base for the Americas Cup when it was here). You could also take a ferry ride across the harbour to Devonport, a nice quiet little place with plenty of cafes. You may even have time to visit the Auckland Museum. Waiheke Island would be good, but it really requires at least half a day.

7th Pick up a rental car, head down the southern motorway, then across to Thames and up the scenic coastal road to Coromandel. Probably a bit over 2 hours drive to this point, so a good place to stop for lunch. Driving Creek pottery and railway is an interesting attraction just out of town. Then over the hill on the road around the peninsular, through Kuoatunu, Whitianga, Tairua and on to Whangamata. The roads are quite winding in places but very scenic, and there should be only very light traffic. Stops at Hot Water Beach and Hahei/Cathedral Cove are recommended if you can fit them in. Whangamata is a coastal resort town that gets very busy in mid summer, but is not crowded in April. Good place for surfing, but the water will probably be a bit cold for swimming - a lot colder than anything you might have encountered in Queensland.

8th On down to Waihi, where what was once a hill is now an open cast mine. There is a mining museum, which might be interesting. From this point on the roads become a lot straighter, and quite a bit busier too - travel is faster, but less scenic. Carry on through Tauranga and over the bridge to Mount Maunganui - not a bad place to stop for lunch, if it is that time of day. A bit after Te Puke there is a large Kiwifruit on your left, with a touristy setup for those interested in various Kiwifruit related things (btw they are a great fruit for helping with travel related bowel sluggishness). A bit further just as you come into Paengaroa there is a honey based touristy stop on the left. From here you climb up over some hills until you reach Lake Rotoiti, where a quick side trip to Okere Falls is good if you want to stretch your legs. A bit further again, and if you have time you might go about 3km up highway 30 to Tikitere, where there is a thermal area called Hells Gate. And on to Rotorua, where you should easily find a motel from the dozens that line Fenton Street.

9th Rotorua is a very touristy town, so there is a lot to do - your motel will have a stack of pamphlets. The Agrodome, Rainbow Springs, the Buried Village at Lake Tarawera, Whakarewarewa thermal area, Maori Concert/Hangi at one of the hotels are all popular. A scenic flight over Mount Tarawera could also be good.

10th back to the airport (it takes a bit over 3 hours driving from Rotorua) Tirau and Cambridge are a couple of arty/crafty type stops along the way. But other than that not much of interest. Pleasant driving through the countryside, but no spectacular scenery. It is very easy to find the airport from the motorway.

Be aware that you will be visiting during school holidays, so it will be a bit busier than usual. But still by no means crowded. Accommodation may be tight in the smaller places that have only a few motels, so I would book a Whangamata motel in advance. Larger centres like Auckland and Rotorua should be no problem as they have lots of motels and hotels to choose from.

Try to avoid driving in Auckland between 7 and 9 a.m and between 4 and 6 p.m (although approaching the airport from the south is okay at any time). Tauranga and Hamilton are also best avoided between 8 and 9 am and between 4:30 and 5:30 pm. Other than those times, traffic should be quite light.

New Zealand Motels generally have a kitchenette, with a microwave and a hob, and sometimes an oven. Motel Breakfasts are extra cost and tend to be relatively ordinary and relatively expensive for what you get.

Hope you have a great trip

"My husband's profession is not marketable in some countries so that is the biggest issue. He is a Physician Assistant working in the Emergency Dept.of a hospital."

I'm not sure what a Physician Assistant is exactly - a paramedical role? I would think medical doctors would be near the top of the list of desired skills in Australia, and very likely nurses also. This is one area where there are job openings in country towns.

Many applicants would have to sit an exam to practice, but I would think that's dependent on which country they gained their qualifications in. Not my area this, but tThere are websites devoted to employment opportunities in the health sector.

BTW, if it helps we're now only involved in one of those wars, having pulled out of Iraq. But I don't see us exiting Afghanistan any time soon.

Hi Everyone,

Once again, thanks to all of you for coming through for me !!
Your advice is appreciated and makes me feel a little ahead of the game. It helps me get a feel for what we are about to venture into, although I realize the true measure will be when I am actually in the midst of it all. Amazing, 'Melnq8' you've met more Australians in your travels rather than there in Perth ! What do you like about Perth? Thanks for advising on the smoking restrictions, and you as well 'Bokhara2' - welcome news - hope I'm not offending any smokers. Are your 2 countries 'big smokers'?
And 'Melnq8' thanks for the suggestions of where to enjoy conversation, and I must say,practical suggestions at that! Really anxious to engage in that 'big dose of friendly'. I just want to be respectful of your cultures and customs - so thanks for the 'heads up'.
My goodness, 'NZUnicorn' a wonderful and specific itinerary you mapped out for us on the North Island! I am so grateful ! I will print your schedule out and head back to the maps (war room). This will no doubt be a time saver. I'm grateful for both your time and your help! We do wish we could extend our trip and include more extensive travel; so many things on our wish list. But we don't take the opportunity we will have for granted.
Yes, Neil_Oz, we have heard about the good medical care delivery system in Australia. How fortunate for you and so glad to hear your social services deserve recognition too. How encouraging to hear! My husband,being a Physician Assistant allows him to practice medicine pretty similiarly to a physician. He has had 6 years of schooling which includes 3 college degrees in Biology and Chemistry followed by the last 2 years devoted to the study and practice of medicine, earning him his certification and registration as a 'PA'. A PA is under the supervision of an attending MD at all times but they do not physically need to be in the same place. He is able to perform minor surgeries, interpret labwork,x'rays,CT's EKG's as well as a vast amount of other diagnostics, he is able to diagnose,treat and prescribe medications. He works very independently, but always with an MD to consult. In past employment, he has had his own practice and patient caseloads. He, like any practicing medical professional has a certain amount of updating and recertifications he has to renew yearly. He sits every 7 years for his boards to recertify / defend his medical license. He currently specializes in Emergency Medicine.
I am a nurse with most of my experience in public health and social services especially in the area of pediatrics. My last positon was as an HIV counselor through the American Red Cross Blood services.
My husband had his nose in one of his medical journal publications and just so happened to stumble upon an article regarding Australia partnering up with several American Physician Assistant organizations to introduce the roll of a Physician into your health care system. At this point they are initially focusing in the area of surgery. Should be interesting to see how it unfolds. The bottom line....ask any 'PA' and they will tell you they do everything a physician does BUT (capitals for emphasis!) for less money ! The blessing in it is that his field has strong employment opportunities right now in this weak and troublesome economy.

Another note, yes, I am aware Australia has fortunately taken there soldiers out of Iraq ( which seems to still be in shambles) and I pray your leaders can keep your armed forces out of that 'other' war. I've attended 3 funerals of soldiers since November. I'm sure you can try and imagine the families grief AND pride in their sons. My nephew is headed to Afghanistan in April for his 3rd deployment. He is quite humble yet very proud to be serving his country. He has a wife and 5 'little ones' who will be waiting for him return.
An extrordinary group of dedicated soldiers in whom I take enormous pride in. But will say without hesitation how I wish none of it was happening. Our marines are doing amazing things in Haiti as a result of that devestating earthquake. That's as it should be...
Just had a thought, Is there the availability of American newspapers there? (New York Times etc.)
Thanks everyone again...you're the best!!!
Forgive me, I was 'longwinded again today !!
Beth

My Apologies to all of you especially Neil_Oz. I spoke incorrectly about your nation's involvement in Afghanistan. My mind was elsewhere and I was wrong. Please forgive me. I am sure you are equally proud of your service men and women. I pray for the wisdom of both our leaders as they forge ahead in a war that effects all of us in different ways and to what end?? Sorry , I meant no disrespect.
Beth

Australians aren't smokers in the way one experiences in parts of Europe & Asia and it's relativly unusual to see people smoking in the street. Regrettably, some of our young girls are stupid enough to think it's a "cool" thing to do, so get their lung cancers started early.

Our government plays a fine game of hypocrisy, banning advertising, requiring warnings on cigarette packets and restricting sales to over 18 yo's; spending zillions on telling us not to smoke - whilst raking in the revenue from ever increasing taxes on the product they refuse to ban. I'm not & never have been a smoker and think it's a particularly objectionable & stupid thing to do. I'm not naive enough to believe banning it would stop everyone smoking either, but the blatent hypocrisy gets up my nose as much as other people's cigarette smoke. Of course, the government of the day always claims the revenue goes to anti-smoking publicity and medical aids for smoking related diseases.

Yes, we can buy newspapers from the US, and many other countries around the world. You may be surprised to find that most Australians are rather better informed about the world beyond our shores and the US in particular, than vice versa. Many of us read international papers online - the info is current, mostly free, delivered instantly when & where we want and doesn't cost trees.

Perhaps you might like to browse some of our newspapers:

www.smh.com.au (Sydney)
www.theage.com.au (Melbourne)
news.yahoo.com.au/thewest (Perth ... for Melnq8)
www.theaustralian.com.au (National)
www.afr.com (National, Financial Review)

Hi Bokhara2,

Thanks for your reply, and I must say I wholeheartedly agree with everyone of your points of view on smoking and the goverment hypocrisy , as I have no doubt it likely works the same way here. The statistics of people who have been diagnosed with lung cancers resulting from second smoke is just as upsetting.
While I am delighted to hear that Australians are well informed about world issues, I am not surprized that is the case. It fits my perceptions thus far of the people. I often follow the news thru the BBC. I am anxious to explore your newspapers thru the web addresses you so kindly took the time to provide. I subscribe to the NY Times online and find it invaluable. Thanks for your research.
Beth

Good Lord, beth, nothing to apologise for!

Sorry for the following editorial, but our previous government got us into both wars - Iraq despite strong public opposition from the outset and using the same deliberately distorted "intelligence" as Bush and Blair relied on. The present government campaigned on a platform of withdrawal from Iraq but renewed commitment to Afhanistan, which was seen as more justified and unlike Iraq is conducted as a UN operation. Time will tell how successful that is, but the record of Western involvement in that tribalised country is not encouraging.

It is not a hot political issue in Australia, mainly because the Australian contingent is fairly small and casualties correspondingly low.

Hi To You Sir (Neil-Oz),

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, while there may be only a small amount of Australian 'boots on the ground' in Afghanistan, one soldier is one too many. I agree though, the Russians were unable to win previously and I think that is important to consider. The focus of the US armed forces is now attempting to win the hearts,minds and trust of the innocent people there, with a strong emphasis on protecting and sparing civilian lives. While this is a worthy premise, several reports indicate the soldiers feel this makes their jobs much more difficult and dangerous. I agree too, that there is so much tribal 'in-fighting' which adds complications to an already complicated mission. There simply is no front line as has been the case in previous conflicts. Who to trust is an on-going frustration. Shutting down Al Queda seems to be a priority to me. I heard a late-night talk show comedian say recently, "How hard could it be to find a 6ft4" guy dragging a dialysis machine??" Our military commanders have begun physical training in harsher mountainous conditions here with out the use of any vehicles since so much is on foot in rough terrain, much different training than for the deserts of Iraq. Also, we are spread so thin we have nothing left for Iran, North Korea and anyone else who should pose a risk to us.
What concerns me just as much, is the long term effects physically and psychosocially the troops will have when they return home. The news accounts are horrific of the huge increase in suicides,domestic violence,rape,drug and alcohol abuse etc. Not even their own military bases are secure anymore. I think the full and long term effects of this haven't begun to be realized yet. Just terrifies me.What to do?? I'm not sure how our president gets any sleep.
I pray for the brave men in women serving your country.

"the Russians were not able to win previously".Isn't that because back then the bad guys were the good guys and armed and supported by America. Similarly if I remember rightly Saddam was the good guy for a while while he was fighting Iran and armed to the teeth by the west, and only became the real bad guy when "he tried to kill my dad"

Hi To All of You Helpful Advisors-

If I may ask another question - now that we nearing completion of our travel plans, a thought has come to mind. We are flying from Sydney to Cairns on 3-24 and are only allowed a certain amount of luggage weight. We then fly to Melbourne for 3 days and then drive back to Sydney. We are bringing a 'bit' more luggage to Australia when we initially arrive (an additional bag AND more weight). Is there anywhere we can store our extra luggage while we are traveling domestically? We were unable to book our hotel accomadations at the same hotel for both our stays in Sydney(at the beginning and again at the end of our stay in Australia.....just when I thought I had thought of everything!!! It would be terrific if we had a secure location to store our extra luggage while we are venturing around Australia....especially since I have yet to come up with a 'Plan B'!!! I would, as always, welcome any of your thoughts or suggestions? (Storage locations,terms/conditions,prices etc.)
You have all been so helpful-
Beth

There are luggage storage places around the Sydney CBD, and at the airports; however, they're usually something like $7 -$10/bag/day.

A more economical option might be a largish locker in a self - storage facility. I had one a couple of years ago and it was $60/month. I'm checking with one of them at the moment for you to see whether you need to be an Australian resident in order to hire one. Should have a reply tomorrow.

beth, I assume the "certain amount" you mean is the international-standard (except USA) 20 kg/44 lb? Are you sure you can't get your checked luggage down to that?

We're not fanatically light packers by any means, but we managed two longish trips to the US (7 and 6 weeks respectively) plus many 2-3 week trips elsewhere within that limit.

Personally, 20 kg is about as much as I ever want to lug around.

In regard to dress standards Australia and New Zealand are pretty relaxed, so you don't have to pack much except "smart casual" gear. And that applies to the opera and all but the most wallet-gouging restaurants. Outfitting yourself with lightweight, washable clothes also pays off.

Just a thought.

Hi Bokhara2-

Thanks for the feedback and legwork you are checking on for me (storage locker). That is an interesting suggestion and may be the answer to the problem at hand.Good to know there are at least a couple options. You are a big help!

Neil_Oz
Yes, I may have to re-think my packing technique sir, that is always a challenge for me. Ask anyone who has traveled with me or has been polite enough to invite me to stay in their home and they are gracious enough to help carry my luggage!
I also checked into the airline(American Airlines) luggage charges including for an extra bag and the weight limit regulations. 50 pounds per bag...yup...this will be a huge challenge for me!! I blame it on the sneakers with the very complex heel construction. We both bought 2 pair and the price came close to what we paid for airline tickets!! Sure to give us a spring in our step!!
I will make every effort to pack as you have suggested...
By the way sir, what is your idea of "smart casual?"
Oh ! I'm really going to have to limit which guidebooks to bring!! Do you think 'Lonely Planet'series is the most comprehensive?
I'm also a pretty hardy reader...limiting my choices of reading material is as challenging as the clothes issue.

Speaking of which...does anyone have any favorite Australian or New Zealand authors they would like to recommend to me?
I may end up leaving a pair of the $$$$ sneakers in your country,just to make room (and lighten the load!) for a couple good reads!!

Feel free to jump in and suggest or offer thoughts on any of the above!
Once again, thanks Bokhara2 and Neil_Oz!!

How about just wearing those sneakers on your flight?